With seven days left until voters in Torbay go to the polls on 6 May, Torbay residents are urged to get ready to vote.

The elections being held are:

• For all residents – The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) who oversees Devon and Cornwall and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you.
• For residents in the Clifton with Maidenway ward – A Councillor who will represent the local area and contribute to the development of policies for the bay.

Polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May, people voting in person are encouraged to keep themselves and others safe by:

• Wearing a face covering.
• Bringing their own pen or pencil.
• Cleaning their hands when entering and leaving the polling station.
• Keeping a safe distance.

Voters should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate. Anyone who develops symptoms or is asked to self-isolate shortly before polling day, has up to 5pm on polling day to apply for an emergency proxy vote. This allows them to nominate someone they trust to vote on their behalf.

Anne-Marie Bond, Electoral Registration Officer for Torbay Council, said: “Your poll card will tell you where to find your polling station. Make sure you check the information on your polling card, as your polling station might have changed since the last election. You do not need your poll card to vote, however, we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process quicker and more efficient.

“Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday 6 May. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm; they can hand it in at their polling station if they don’t have time to return it by post.”

Alisa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: “If you are voting in person, make sure you remember to bring your face covering and a pen or pencil with you. At the polling station, help keep yourself and others safe by following the safety measures, including sanitising your hands and keeping a safe distance from others.

“If you are self-isolating or become unwell as a result of COVID-19, you don’t need to lose your vote. You will be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote so that someone you trust can vote on your behalf.”

For further information on how to apply for an emergency proxy, voters should contact the electoral registration team on 01803 208008.

For further information on elections taking place in Torbay, including who is standing in the 6 May elections visit the elections page.